‘The Count Of Monte Cristo’: Regé-Jean Page To Star In & Produce New Incarnation Of Period Revenge Adventure Film

Recently, it was announced that actor Regé-Jean Page (“Black Bag”) is set to star and produce a new version of the classic revenge tale “The Count of Monte Cristo,” based on the novel by beloved French author Alexandre Dumas (“The Three Musketeers”).

A report from Deadline says Page’s new version is at Department M. Of course, the original novel focuses on a young man who is falsely accused of treason and is imprisoned alongside a fellow inmate who helps him not only escape but gives him a location of a massive fortune that is used to execute an elaborate plot of revenge against the man who wronged him as the former prisoner transforms into the mysterious Count of Monte Cristo.

READ MORE: ‘Black Bag’ Review: Steven Soderbergh’s Deliciously Sleek & Taut Spy Puzzle Boasts A Splendid Cast Led By Michael Fassbender & Cate Blanchett

Author and screenwriter Patrick Ness is behind the script after working on films such as “Chaos Walking” and “A Monster Calls,” both of which were feature adaptations of his novels.

Emily Brown and Page are producing via their A Mighty Stranger production banner alongside Department M’s Mike Larocca and Michael Schaefer with Youtchi von Lintel of YouRoc also part of the producing team.

“Bold, adventurous storytelling with heart is the reason I got into this business, and is the backbone of everything we’re making,” Page said in a statement revealed in the announcement at Deadline. “Working alongside incredible collaborators, A Mighty Stranger is building a slate of creative-led projects that will broaden the cultural lens through pure entertainment. That’s why we’re so excited to be bringing ‘The Count Of Monte Cristo’ to global audiences, unlocking the depths of Dumas’ work in ways not seen yet.”

Page has been having a moment since his breakout role in the hit period Netflix series “Bridgerton” appearing in The Russos‘ “Grey Man,” Steven Soderbergh‘s spy flick “Black Bag,” the fantasy adventure film “Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves,” was cast alongside Glen Powell in a remake of the Western buddy pic “Butch & Sundance,” and is expected to lead a new version of “The Saint” with Doug Liman attached to direct.

“The Count of Monte Cristo” saw a high-profile feature revival in France not too long ago helmed by Alexandre de La Patellière and Matthieu Delaporte that debuted at last year’s Cannes Film Festival. The Kevin Reynolds‘ version from 2002 had previously featured actors Jim Caviezel, Guy Pearce, and a young Henry Cavill.

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Absent from the film’s announcement is who will end up directing but given the legacy of the swashbuckling revenge tale, we suspect that plenty of big names will want to get involved.